Caroline turned the big “5” this year and we decided that we would host the party somewhere outside of the house this year. It’s a big occasion and we wanted to celebrate this milestone birthday. Also, we really liked the idea of not having to clean the house twice and have a ton of kids inside this year as well!

I was looking forward to actually having a break from all of the decor I usually do and realized that I would only need to bring a cake and some ice cream. Maybe even a few snacks. No big menu items for me this year! Things would be easy. Ha! Well, they were easy compared to the usual parties I host for her and I definitely took some sort cuts, but as always I have a tendency to go further than needed. Most of it came together pretty easily since we had a lot of things already and I worked smarter this year. I’m learning!

We hosted a Pony Party this year and invited everyone to the stables not too far from our house. We love the venue because they have pony rides and a play area for kids while they are waiting their turn. The kids loved the pony and even little George and his buddy took a turn on Sassy on the pony. It was one of the first nice days here in Maine so the kids also had a lot of fun playing outside on the swingsets.

Afterwards, it was time for cake and ice cream. While we were getting everything ready the kids dove into the snacks. We sang Happy Birthday and quickly dished out cake and ice cream to everyone. We had so much fun this party and I can’t wait to host another party there as well. George, want a cowboy party? Every year I say I am going to go smaller for birthdays but every year I see that smile on her face and know that I’ll do whatever it takes for her and her friends to have an awesome time, fill their bellies with yummy food, and go away with smiles.

*I believe I have listed everything here, but if you see anything I’ve forgotten to note or have a question, leave a comment. The party may have ended, but I love talking parties and ideas!

I’m still on a lemon kick and apparently, a pasta kick as well. Basically, I want fresh flavors but I also want to appease the masses at the dinner table. Some night I would throw anything down on the table if everyone would eat it without complaint. While this recipe didn’t get the entire family’s approval I really enjoyed it. It wasn’t that no one disliked it, I just didn’t receive the “You have to make this again soon” comments.

What I love about this pasta dish is that it can be whipped up in no time and is light, with plenty of flavor. I’ve never used chives with pasta before, but I really loved the way they complimented the lemon and will definitely be experimenting with those again.

*Since Myer lemons are only in season for a short time, use regular lemons but be sure to add a splash of orange juice to tone down the citrus.

Spring time is always so busy because we are trying to hurry and get everything ready for summer. Summer is so short here in Maine that we have to make the best of every second. So, while we’re busy (mostly my husband) staining the decks, bringing out the furniture, putting the screens in I don’t have time to cook dinner. I still want something good though. We are starting to use our grill more and more but even that takes some time so I love tossing in some meat and veggies into the slow cooker and leaving it. Coming back at the end of the day and serving an easy salad and chips and these delicious sandwiches!

The original recipe called for Dale’s Steak Seasoning. We don’t have that here in Maine so I checked the comments and sure enough, someone had posted their own copycat. I tweaked the copycat a bit because I felt the chicken needed some more seasoning and the result is below.

Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

Ingredients

2 Tbsp unsalted butter

1 large sweet onion, sliced

2 green bell peppers, sliced

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced

4 Tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce

1 Tbsp honey

1/4 tsp vinegar

1/8 tsp ginger

1/4 tsp garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

Mozzarella cheese slices

sandwich rolls

Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray and turn heat on to LOW.

Hi Everyone! I’m over on Books and Cooks guest posting these wonderful Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins today. Head over to her blog and check out the recipe. They really are a must make if you enjoy banana bread/muffins. Whether the chocolate chips draw you in or the health conscious use of oat bran they are simple to make, very healthy for you, and you can throw some in the freezer for handy snacks at a later date. Clean eating never tasted so good! While you’re at Books and Cooks, check out some of her great recipes and book reviews. She’s a fabulous person who I’ve known for a long time on a cooking forum and we met at the Mixed conference a few years ago. She has guest posted over here before when I was expecting George and now I’m returning the favor as she prepares for her son.